James Lee Dickey: An Analysis of One African-American's Leadership in Jim Crow Texas

1930s Communism

The Communist party had consistently opposed racial discrimination. After observing attention given to Marcus Garvey’s natioinalism, the Communist Party officially declared African Americans an oppressed nation. Communists even offered leadership positions to African Americans in the 1930s. It took action whereas other civil rights groups discussed thus idealistic and energetic youth identified with the party. One of the most celebrated members of the Communist Party was actor Paul Robeson. He was talented, intelligent, charistmatic and articulate. He travelled the world meeting Communist sympathizers. Using his oratorical skills, he revealed how communism appealed to the poor especially during the worst economic time in American history. Communism promised economic security regardless of race.